BRIC JazzFest 2024 Marks a Decade of Musical Innovation

BRIC, a leading arts and media institution, today announced the full lineup for BRIC JazzFest 2024, marking a milestone decade of musical innovation and discovery. Set in the center of Brooklyn’s cultural district, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration of jazz from October 17-19, 2024 at BRIC House.

The 10th anniversary edition, themed “A Decade of Discovery,” honors BRIC JazzFest’s legacy of spotlighting and showcasing exceptional jazz talent. This year’s marathon event features an eclectic mix of jazz legends, contemporary innovators, and rising stars, offering audiences a comprehensive snapshot of the genre’s past, present, and future.

Over three electrifying nights, BRIC JazzFest will present 18 live performances, with six bands taking the stage each evening. The festival starts Thursday, October 17, with NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz headlining alongside acclaimed harpist Brandee Younger. The opening night also features genre-defying drummer Kassa Overall, rising star Josh Johnson, and emerging talents Milena Casado and Mali Obomsawin.

Friday, October 18, features performances by cutting-edge drummer and producer Makaya McCraven, followed by jazz luminary Terri Lyne Carrington. The evening continues with innovative alto saxophonist Caroline Davis and percussionist Daniel Villarreal, promising a night of boundary-pushing jazz.

The festival reaches its crescendo on Saturday, October 19, with a lineup that spans the full spectrum of contemporary jazz. Highlights include powerhouse saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, jazz elder statesman Reggie Workman, trumpeter Amir Elsaffar, known for his unique fusion of jazz and Iraqi maqam, and performances by Australian neo-soul artist Allysha Joy and Afro-Cuban jazz master Joaquin Pozo. The festival culminates with a special jam session  honoring the legacy of jazz drummer Casey Benjamin curated by a well known NYC party and live music experience called The Jungle, a collaboration of DJs, musicians, and artists delivering a stimulating sonic experience that traverses the African Diaspora, embracing Latin, Jazz, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Percussion, Brazilian, Caribbean, House and Soul.

Viviana Benitez, BRIC JazzFest Senior Producer, said: “BRIC JazzFest’s 10th anniversary is a testament to our unwavering commitment to showcasing the very best in jazz, from established icons to the rising stars who will shape the genre’s future. This year’s festival is a celebration of a decade of discovery, and we’re thrilled to share this extraordinary musical journey with Brooklyn and the world.”

Acclaimed harpist Brandee Younger has been tapped as the 2024 Artist Curator. Younger’s journey with BRIC JazzFest, from a rising star in 2015 to this year’s curator, embodies the festival’s commitment to nurturing and elevating jazz talent.

Since its inception in 2015, BRIC JazzFest has been Brooklyn’s passport to a world of sonic exploration. For a decade, the festival has been committed to uncovering hidden gems and rising stars of the jazz scene, presenting them at BRIC House and weaving itself into the vibrant tapestry of Brooklyn’s cultural landscape.

This year’s BRIC JazzFest is part of BRIC’s “Raised By Brooklyn” campaign, celebrating Brooklyn’s “vibe” and its role in fostering community and artistic growth. The initiative highlights Brooklyn’s global impact.

Purchase daily and 3-day passes and get the full festival schedule HERE.

Lead support for performing arts at BRIC comes from TD Bank and the Howard Gilman Foundation. Additional support for live captioning comes from NYSCA/TDF TAP Plus. Promotional support provided in part by the New York City Tourism Foundation in partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office. BRIC programming is also made possible thanks to support from M&T Charitable Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, and the Tiger Baron Foundation.

Public support for JazzFest is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams. Media partners for the 2024 BRIC JazzFest include WBGO and Wax Poetics.

© 2024, Seth “Digital Crates” Barmash. All rights reserved.